CHRISTMAS officially kicks off in Banbury on Sunday when Coronation Street stars switch on the Christmas lights.

Thousands of people are expected to converge on a stage in Bridge Street for the 5.30pm switch-on outside the town hall.

Corrie stars Jack P. Shepherd and Ryan Thomas – who play David Platt and Jason Grimshaw – will be the guests of honour.

Banbury Sound breakfast presenter Kirsty Leahy and Radio Horton’s Stewart Green will introduce musical acts from 2pm.

First on, at 2.10pm, will be Brackley’s Jenna Hone, who won Banbury Sound’s Search for a Christmas Star contest to sing at the event.

The music will continue with Banbury Rock Choir at 2.35pm and local indie pop four-piece Dance a la Plage at 2.55pm.

Rock covers band Transmission – whose repertoire includes classics by The Police, U2 and The Killers – will play at 3.45pm.

Then Robbie Williams tribute act Paul Reason will ask the crowd to Let Me Entertain You at 4.30pm.

The soap stars will take to the stage at 5.15pm for a chat with the hosts before the switch-on, to be followed by a spectacular fireworks show. The stars will then meet fans and sign autographs.

The event has been organised by Banbury Town Council. Christmas lights committee chairman Tina Wren said: “It has become traditional to invite a soap star to press the all-important button, and this year we have doubled the attraction by getting two personalities to do the job.

“Ryan and Jack are both long-standing members of the Corrie cast. They have good storylines at the moment and will be popular visitors to Banbury.”

She said: “I shall enjoy meeting them and I know that many people in town want to chat to them and have photographs taken with them. I’m looking forward to a great day.

“I would advise people to get there early if they want a place near the stage.”

Banbury & District Chamber of Commerce chairman Claire Kingsbury said: “It is great because it is another reason for people to come into the town at such a busy time of the year.

“It is always well attended and a real positive for the town centre.”

Weekend parking will be free in Cherwell District Council car parks from December 1. The council is to waive charges every Saturday, Sunday and Monday until January 7 in a bid to boost trade.